Boys Varsity Soccer: Band of Brothers

The Author
Hunter Brode & Paul Gibert

Published online
October 21, 2016 11:06am

Last updated
February 6, 2018 7:08pm

Boys’ varsity soccer has been through hell and back this season. From the start, our focus has been chemistry. With ten new players joining the roster, we have worked hard on communicating, adapting to different styles of play, and getting to know each other off the field. Almost immediately, we established a special bond and were prepared to overcome adversity together. To conclude preseason, the team created the Shadow Sebele Award to honor the life of our former coach and EHS all-star soccer player. Shadow’s former professional team gifted EHS a black armband to acknowledge players who demonstrate selflessness and devotion. With Captain Andile Tshuma wearing the armband, the team went into its first preseason scrimmage against the Maret School, ultimately falling to a talented opponent.

For the next few weeks, our attention shifted towards defense. Center Backs Joe Mutscheller and Jacob Beckner cemented their spots at the heart of the Maroon defense. As the season continued, Captain Max Oliphant, Guy Thomas, and Jay Kim played roles in guarding the left side of the field while Matthew Webb and Hunter Brode locked down the right. Perhaps the most stunning aspect of this season has been watching the grit of these seven as they work together to shut down larger and stronger opponents.

Halfway through the season, it became clear that our team was built on defense, and it was time to establish an attacking force. Our breakthrough came against league foe St. Albans. The deadly foot skills of Thanos Androus, along with the intense pace brought by Cameron Robinson, led to several opportunities for strikers George Moore and Keil Reedich. Sam Kamara assisted both Keil and Meron Tekeste for two outstanding finishes to tie the game 2-2. In the last minute, St. Albans scored a game winner to the bottom corner of the goal, concluding one of the team’s hardest fought games this fall.

Over the next few games, the attack continued to increase in strength, and was especially present in our most recent game against St. Stephens, a team that defeated us in our first matchup of the season. Led by keepers Paul Gibert and Jack Joyce, the back entered lock-down mode, only allowing one goal. Our offense, featuring midfielders Jacob Morgan and Brad Henrich, pounded the Saints’ defense. After a quick drive down the field and a cross by Sam Kamara, the ball fumbled around the box before Brad smashed in the tying goal. The game finished in a 1 – 1 tie, sending the Maroon into the weekend still hungry for a win. As the second half of our IAC schedule continues, we will be ready to claim our first victory. Many thanks to our dedicated fans and especially our captains and Shadow Sebele Award Winners.